Portion capsule for producing a beverage

ABSTRACT

A portion capsule for producing a beverage includes a cavity for a beverage raw material, wherein an opening can be made in the portion capsule for producing the beverage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2011/002661, filed on May 30, 2011, entitled PORTION CAPSULE FOR PRODUCING A BEVERAGE which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, wherein, in order to produce the beverage, an opening is introducible into the portion capsule.

Such portion capsules are well known from the prior art and are available on the market for example as coffee portion capsules. In these coffee portion capsules, the cavity is filled at least partially with coffee powder and hot water flows through said cavity to produce a coffee, espresso and the like. In order to prevent the coffee located in the cavity from losing its aroma, the portion capsule is preferably hermetically sealed. Therefore, in order to produce the coffee, openings have to be able to be introduced into the portion capsule or already be present therein in advance.

In particular in the case of coffee portion capsules, there is a permanent desire on the part of a person skilled in the art to improve the quality of the resulting coffee beverage. A large role is played here, inter alia, by the displacement of the air which is located for example in the cavity in the portion capsule but also in the coffee powder, and also the residence time of the hot water in the portion capsule.

Therefore, it was the object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule with which a good coffee beverage is producible.

SUMMARY

The object is achieved by a portion capsule for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, wherein, in order to produce the beverage, an opening is introducible into the portion capsule, said opening being provided at a distance from a plane of symmetry of the portion capsule.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided. Such a portion capsule is produced for example from plastics material, a natural substance and/or a biodegradable material, and usually has a basic element, in particular a thermoformed basic element, which is preferably frustoconical or cylindrical. The raw beverage material is introduced into the cavity in the portion capsule and is subjected to extraction and/or dissolved, for example, using a liquid, in particular water. Following the introduction of raw beverage material, the basic element is preferably closed, in particular with a membrane, for example a plastics film. The membrane is preferably provided opposite the base of the basic element. The membrane may be produced from the same material as the basic element, or a different material, and is fastened on the basic element, preferably by sealing and/or adhesive bonding. Furthermore, one or more insert elements, for example a filter, a liquid distributor, a nonwoven, a barrier sheet or the like may be provided in the cavity.

In order to produce the beverage, this portion capsule now has to be opened, i.e. be provided with an inlet and an outlet. According to the invention, at least one opening, preferably the opening through which the liquid flows into the portion capsule, is provided at a distance from a plane of symmetry. As a result, flow takes place in an asymmetrical manner through the portion capsule, resulting in advantages for the quality of the end product, for example in the extraction of the coffee and/or in the formation of crema.

According to a further or a preferred subject of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of openings, in particular in the inlet, which are distributed at least partially in an asymmetrical manner and are located with respect to a first plane that extends in an axial direction of the portion capsule and is preferably a plane of symmetry of the unopened capsule. On account of this embodiment according to the invention or preferred embodiment of the present invention, too, flow takes place through the cavity in the portion capsule in an asymmetrical manner at least in sections and/or temporarily, thereby resulting in an improved coffee quality. Preferably, the plane is a plane of symmetry of the unopened portion capsule.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the openings are introduced in such a way, in particular into the cover sheet, that said openings are provided in a symmetrical manner with respect to a further axis of symmetry of the unopened portion capsule.

The opening(s) is/are introduced into the portion capsule preferably immediately prior to the production of the particular beverage. This can be carried out in any manner familiar to a person skilled in the art, for example by piercing, for example with a spike, by removal of material, by material softening and/or by pressure, in particular water pressure. Preferably, the membrane has at least one, preferably a plurality of, in particular two, openings, and the base, which is preferably located opposite the membrane, preferably has at least one opening. The opening in the base of the portion capsule is provided preferably centrally, but can also be arranged at a distance from a plane of symmetry. The openings can have any desired shape familiar to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, however, the holes in the membrane are triangular, circular, square or rectangular. This type of openings can be introduced into the portion capsules with a particularly small force.

Preferably, the membrane has at least one, preferably two or more openings, preferably along a first plane of symmetry of the portion capsule, wherein these openings in an asymmetrical manner with respect to a second plane of symmetry of the portion capsule, which are arranged preferably perpendicularly to the first plane of symmetry. This opening serves/these openings serve preferably for a liquid to pass into the cavity in the portion capsule. Preferably, the membrane, particularly preferably additionally, has at least one, preferably two, opening(s), preferably along a second plane of symmetry, which are preferably provided in a symmetrical manner with respect to the first plane of symmetry. This additional opening serves at least temporarily for venting the cavity in the portion capsule.

A further or a preferred subject of the present invention is a portion capsule for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided and through which a liquid can flow, wherein flow takes place onto the capsule at a distance from a plane of symmetry.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

In the case of this portion capsule, it is provided according to the invention that flow takes place onto the portion capsule at a distance from a plane of symmetry, i.e. the liquid is supplied to the portion capsule not centrally but outside the center. This also results, at least temporarily, in improved flow through the cavity in the portion capsule and/or, at least temporarily, a longer residence time of the liquid in the portion capsule and thus a higher quality beverage.

A further or a preferred subject of the present invention is a portion capsule in which the membrane has a liquid inlet and a venting opening.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

The liquid inlet and the venting opening are preferably introduced, preferably cut, into the membrane of the portion capsule by a coffee machine. With respect to the gravitational field of the Earth, the venting opening is preferably arranged above the liquid inlet. As soon as no more gas emerges from the venting opening, the venting opening is preferably used likewise for the liquid supply. Particularly preferably, the membrane of the portion capsule has a plurality of liquid inlets and a plurality of venting openings.

Preferably, in the base of the portion capsule there is provided an outlet opening, which can be arranged centrally or at a distance from a plane of symmetry. The produced beverage flows out of the portion capsule through this opening.

According to a further or a preferred subject of the present invention, a venting opening is provided in the base. This opening serves for venting the cavity in the portion capsule while liquid is flowing through the latter. Only a very small amount of prepared beverage, if any at all, flows through this venting opening. Preferably, this opening is introduced, preferably cut, into the portion capsule only in the coffee machine. With respect to the gravitational field of the Earth, the venting opening in the base of the capsule is arranged above the outlet opening.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage, in which a liquid flows through a portion capsule, wherein the portion capsule has to be opened at two points before flow takes place therethrough, wherein at least one opening is provided at a distance from a plane of symmetry of the portion capsule.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

Preferably, in particular in the membrane, there are provided a plurality of openings which are provided in an asymmetrical manner with respect to a plane that extends in an axial direction of the portion capsule, in particular a plane of symmetry of the unopened portion capsule.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for producing a beverage, in which a liquid flows through a portion capsule, wherein flow takes place onto the portion capsule at a distance from one of its planes of symmetry, that extends in an axial direction, of the unopened portion capsule.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

According to a preferred or a further subject of the present invention, flow takes place through the portion capsule in an asymmetrical manner at least in sections and at least temporarily with respect to at least one plane of symmetry of the unopened portion capsule.

The statements made with respect to this subject of the present invention apply in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention and vice versa, and the features disclosed here can be combined with other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.

Preferably, the capsule is provided in a horizontal manner while flow takes place therethrough, i.e. its central axis extends horizontally. The plane of symmetry mentioned above or hereinbelow is preferably a plane of symmetry which extends at least substantially along the horizontal.

A further or a preferred subject of the present invention is a method in which, while the liquid flows in, the cavity in the portion capsule is vented at least temporarily via at least one opening. This opening can be located in the membrane or in the base of the portion capsule. Preferably, the venting takes place at least temporarily through both openings. Preferably, the venting takes place via one or more opening(s) which are not used for the liquid inlet or liquid outlet.

The invention is explained in the following text with reference to FIGS. 1-7. These explanations are only by way of example and do not limit the general concept of the invention. These explanations apply in equal measure to all subjects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-7 each show an embodiment of the portion capsule according to the invention or of the method according to the invention in two views in each case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. Said portion capsule has a basic element 2 which in the present case is frustoconical. This basic element has a cavity 13 which is filled at least partially with a raw beverage material which, for example, is extracted and/or dissolved. In the present case, the raw beverage material is coffee powder which is extracted with hot water and is used to produce for example a coffee or an espresso. Once the raw beverage material has been introduced into the cavity, the latter is closed preferably with a membrane, in that the membrane is sealed or adhesively bonded to the basic element. According to the invention, the portion capsule has a first plane 5 which extends in the axial direction of the portion capsule. In the present case, this is a horizontal plane 5 which in the present case is also at the same time a plane of symmetry, in particular a plane of mirror symmetry, of the unopened capsule. According to the invention, it is provided that, for producing for example a beverage, the portion capsule has an opening 4, which is in particular only introduced when the portion capsule 1 is located in the respective coffee machine. The opening 4 is provided at a distance from the plane of symmetry 5. As can be seen in particular from the right-hand illustration in FIG. 1, the opening 4 is two openings in the membrane, which are each also provided at a distance from a vertical plane of mirror symmetry 6 of the unopened capsule but in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to the plane of symmetry 6. As can furthermore be seen from the right-hand illustration in FIG. 1, both openings 4 in the membrane are distributed in an asymmetrical manner in the membrane 3 with respect to a first plane of symmetry 5, that extends in the axial direction, of the unopened capsule, i.e. both openings are located in the lower part of the portion capsule with respect to the horizontal plane of symmetry 5, while the upper part remains unopened. As can be seen in particular in the left-hand part of FIG. 1, in order to produce a beverage, the capsule also has to have in its base a further opening 9, which in the present case is arranged centrally but can also be provided at a distance from one of the planes 5 or 6. This opening is required in particular for the outlet of the produced beverage. The portion capsule is preferably processed as illustrated in a coffee machine, i.e. its central axis is provided horizontally while flow takes place through the portion capsule.

FIG. 2 shows substantially the embodiment of the capsule according to FIG. 1, wherein in the present case an insert member 7 is provided in the vicinity of the base. This insert member is preferably a screen or a nonwoven, which is intended in particular to prevent parts of the raw beverage material, for example coffee powder, from passing into the beverage to be consumed. Preferably, the member 7 is a nonwoven which is particularly preferably sealed to the base of the portion capsule. This nonwoven can be pierced when the portion capsule is opened at the base.

FIG. 3 shows substantially the embodiment according to FIG. 2, wherein in this case the capsule has a further insert member, which is provided in the vicinity of the membrane 3 of the portion capsule. This member can be for example a liquid distributor or a raw beverage material retention member.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. Reference can be made essentially to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-3. However, in the present case, there is additionally illustrated a liquid supply means 10, by way of which liquid is supplied in the direction of the portion capsule. In the present case, this liquid is hot water which, as illustrated by the arrow, is supplied at a distance from the plane of symmetry 5 of the portion capsule. In the present case, the liquid is supplied centrally between the two openings 4 in the membrane 3 and then flows through the openings 4 into the capsule. There, the coffee powder is extracted and the prepared beverage leaves the portion capsule through the opening 9. The illustrated arrows are intended to symbolize the possible flow pattern in the portion capsule. It can clearly be seen that this is for example asymmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry 5. The present embodiment has the advantage that air which is located in front of and/or within the capsule is pushed out of the capsule uniformly and along a predictable path. Alternatively or additionally, the minimum residence time of the liquid in the capsule is longer than in the case of a capsule of which the membrane is opened centrally and/or symmetrically.

FIG. 5 shows substantially the embodiment according to FIG. 4, wherein the capsule in the present case again has an insert member 7, in this case a screen or a nonwoven.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment which is based on the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the present case, the portion capsule has a further insert member 8, for example a membrane or the like, which can serve as a distribution member, but which can also be destroyed by the supply of the liquid or by the pressure built up and as a result liquid can flow in the cavity, located behind the membrane 8, in the portion capsule 1.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein reference can be made essentially to the embodiments in FIGS. 1-6. As can be seen in particular from the right-hand illustration in FIG. 7, four openings 4, 14 are provided in the membrane 3. Two of these openings 4 are provided for the liquid inlet and two openings 14 are provided as venting openings, out of which for example air or other gases which are located in the portion capsule can escape at least temporarily from the portion capsule when the portion capsule is pierced and/or when the liquid runs in. The openings 14 are in this case arranged above the openings 4 with respect to the gravitational field of the Earth. Venting is symbolized by the arrow 15. In the present case, the openings 14 are arranged on the plane of symmetry 5 and are provided in a symmetrical manner with respect to the plane of symmetry 6. The openings 4 for the liquid inlet are in the present case arranged in a vertical plane one above another and in an asymmetrical manner with respect to the plane of symmetry 5 of the unopened portion capsule, wherein in the present case the liquid supply means 10 is arranged in the same vertical plane 6 as the two openings 4 but between the two openings 4. Once the gas has escaped from the portion capsule, the openings 14 can also act as liquid inlet openings. It can be seen from the left-hand illustration in FIG. 7 that the portion capsule 1 can alternatively or additionally have in its base a venting opening 16, which is preferably introduced into the portion capsule by the coffee machine. This venting opening 16 is provided in addition to the outlet opening 9 and serves to dissipate gas which is located in the portion capsule prior to piercing. With respect to the gravitational field of the Earth, the opening 16 is located above the opening 9. The opening 9 is preferably arranged above the openings 14 with respect to the gravitational field of the Earth. 

1. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a membrane and a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, wherein, in order to produce the beverage, a plurality of openings, an inlet opening and an outlet opening are introduced, wherein the outlet opening is formed in a base of the portion capsule (1), characterized in that the membrane has the inlet opening and a venting opening.
 2. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, said portion capsule having a base and a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, wherein, in order to produce the beverage, a plurality of openings, an inlet opening and an outlet opening are introduced, wherein the inlet opening is formed in a membrane of the portion capsule, characterized in that the outlet opening and a venting opening are provided in the base of the portion capsule.
 3. The portion capsule as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the outlet opening is provided in the base of the portion capsule, centrally or at a distance from a plane of symmetry.
 4. A method for producing a beverage, wherein a portion capsule is provided with an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a venting opening, wherein a membrane of the portion capsule is provided with the inlet opening and the venting opening, wherein a liquid flows through a cavity in the portion capsule, characterized in that, while the liquid flows in, the cavity in the portion capsule is vented at least temporarily via the venting opening.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein, once gas has escaped from the portion capsule, the venting opening acts as a liquid inlet opening.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of the inlet opening or venting opening is provided at a distance from a plane of symmetry of the portion capsule.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the venting opening is provided above the inlet opening with respect to the gravitational field of the Earth.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the portion capsule is provided with two inlet openings and two venting openings, wherein the venting openings are arranged in a vertical plane one above the other.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the liquid is supplied by means of a liquid inlet means which is arranged along the vertical plane between the two venting openings.
 10. A method for producing a beverage, wherein a membrane of a portion capsule is provided with an inlet opening and a base of the portion capsule is provided with an outlet opening, characterized in that an additional venting opening is introduced into the base.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the additional venting opening is introduced above the outlet opening arranged in the base, with respect to the gravitational field of the Earth. 